I have just been reading the impressive collection of postings with respect to cattle sheds. I have someone locally working on designs at the moment. I am just wondering if any of the Forum members would have any thoughts on design when temperatures can dip to minus 25C.

Canadian heated water troughs for a start. That is not really very cold however, it gets down to that on my place in Scotland quite often.

Stuart, is it very cold all winter or just periodically ? I would have thought that keeping the stock reasonably warm whilst maintaining good ventilation will be the biggest challenge. Is the site exposed ?

As Hhs says, minus 25ºC is not unheard of in various parts of Britain, and lower still in USA as well as Canada. Kansas Farmer could probably help you out with some leads. PM him in case he misses the thread. He is a decent bloke (at least via emails) and I am sure he would help you.  The same goes for dogjon in Oregon.

Stuart, when I worked in Saskatchewan many years ago,the temperature would dip to minus 40 on occasions. The cattle we had there, Maine Anjou, H

Sorry , I dont know what happened there, I continue Herefords and Angus were outwintered in open yards and stuck it well. I would imagine that your cattle would be fine without too much molycoddling. A nice dry straw bed, a roof to keep out the rain and snow and walls to stop the wind would suffice.

Wind exposure is not a problem, Transylvania must have about the calmest climate in Europe. With beef stock I expect we will see people out-wintering more, maybe with a simple shelter. We can have weeks of below minus 15C rather than just a few days. My concern is really about keeping milking animals warm but well ventilated.

If heat tolerant breeds can cope with Canadian winters, British beef breeds shouldn't have a problem, some Bonsmara in -30 winter.

http://sangacattle.webs.com/apps/photos/album?albumid=8986914

Standard shed design, yorkshire board, open ridge, overhang etc x2 Put both overhangs facing each other to make a covered feed run+insulate the water properly. Gates and races out back possibly a lounging paddock -25c is pleasant for cattle. Blow straw in with feeder bedder. Finnish shed design is don to -45c if necessary. I have worked in Russia down to -45C too, Angus there, they loved it. PM me if you need some more help. Happy to fly out too. (if I get paid mind)

 I would say your biggest challeng is keeping running water without the daily hassle of breaking ice and defrosting pipes everyday. Cows keep themselves warm, eat a bit more but they quite like the cold really